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Expunge and Seal Records

The conclusion of a criminal case rarely marks the true end for most people involved in the Florida criminal justice system. Evidence of a person’s arrest and other activities remains available to interested parties long after cases have been closed.

For many people, criminal records can have disastrous implications later on in regards to employment, education, or housing—even when alleged offenders were not convicted. State law in Florida allows for people to have their criminal records sealed or expunged in some circumstances, allowing them to lawfully deny that an arrest ever happened.

Lawyer in Pensacola, FL for Sealing of Records and Expunction

If you are hoping to expunge or seal your criminal record, you should know that you will need to fill out complex paperwork and meet strict deadlines. An error can result in your case being delayed or denied. This process can be easier with the help of  Pensacola criminal defense attorney John Terrezza who has experience assisting people with sealing and expunging their records.

Terrezza Law helps clients all over Escambia County and Santa Rosa County successfully expunge or seal their criminal records. John Terrezza will be happy to try and assist you with the process if you call (850) 764-5291 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.


Escambia County Record Sealing Information Center


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Expungement vs. Sealing Criminal Records in Florida

While expunging and sealing criminal records are similar procedures which can both remove records from public view and can allow people to deny arrests ever occurred, the two processes have some significant differences and how your case was resolved can affect your eligibility.

People who are have had their record sealed or expunged are able to lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the arrests covered by their records in most situations, but must still disclose when they:

People who have had their criminal records sealed also cannot lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the arrests covered by their records if they are seeking authorization from a Florida seaport for employment within, or access to, one or more Florida seaports.


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Pensacola Crimes Ineligible for Sealing or Expunction

Not everyone is eligible to have their criminal record expunged or sealed. You cannot seal or expunge ta records if you were ever adjudicated guilty of a crime in the State of Florida, have a pending case, or  have previously sealed or expunged an offense from your criminal record.

Certain criminal offenses are also ineligible for expunging or sealing if a plea was entered and adjudication was withheld. These offenses include:


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Florida Expunction Resources

Florida Statute § 943.0585 — You can view the full text of the state law for the expunction of criminal records. This covers the petition to expunge a criminal record, the certificate of eligibility for expunction, and the processing of a petition or order to expunge. You can also learn more about the effect of criminal record expunction.

Florida Statute § 943.059 — View the full text of the state law for the sealing of criminal records. Learn more about the petition to seal a criminal record, the certificate of eligibility for sealing, and the processing of a petition or order to seal. Additional information includes the effect of criminal record sealing.

Seal and Expunge Process | FDLE — On this section of the FDLE website, you can download applications for juvenile diversion expungement, lawful self-defense expungement, and the expunge/seal package. You can also find agencies that are entitled to seal or expunged information, a final application checklist, and instructions for applying. The website also includes some common reasons for denial of petitions.


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Terrezza Law | A Lawyer for Expunging or Sealing Criminal Records in Pensacola, Florida

Are you hoping to seal or expunge your Florida criminal record? If you want to make sure your case is handled the right way, it will be in your best interest to contact Terrezza Law as soon as possible.

John Terrezza is a criminal defense attorney in Pensacola who helps clients in Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and surrounding areas of Escambia County get their records sealed or expunged. Call (850) 764-5291 or fill out an online contact form right now to set up a free consultation that will let our lawyer review your case.

 


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